No-Bake Chocolate Pretzel Peanut Butter Squares
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No-Bake Chocolate Pretzel Peanut Butter Squares are rich and gooey. Sink your teeth into a creamy peanut butter filling loaded with crunchy pretzels all under a thick layer of dreamy chocolate. Our easy pretzel squares are the perfect combination for dessert lovers.
THIS POST HAS BEEN UPGRADED FROM 12/11/14 TO IMPROVE READER EXPERIENCE.
Who doesn’t like No-Bake Chocolate Pretzel Peanut Butter Squares? This easy recipe is the perfect make-and-take for any gathering and can feed a crowd. Who wouldn’t love a peanut butter pretzel dessert that’s rich, gooey, and has a delightful crunch?
I love to cook, but I really love to bake. I’m just in awe of some of the recipes and pictures that I see.
I also like pushing myself to learn new recipes and techniques except when being pulled in 100 different directions. That is when I rely on recipes like these easy No-Bake Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars.
We just had a family tailgating gathering, and for me, I want to watch the game. I don’t want people to have to wait for me to serve food. Finger food or food that can sit out is a must.
That also makes them perfect for holiday get-togethers when everyone is full from a big dinner but just wants a little sweet treat. Cut these Peanut Butter squares with Chocolate small and put them on a fancy plate and they’re definitely a holiday-worthy dessert.
Note: These bars need to chill for about an hour. That makes peanut butter pretzel bars a great make-ahead dessert. We make them the day before and just slip them into the refrigerator.
Items you may need to make Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars
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- Baking Dish – I used this baking dish for this recipe because it was a little smaller than my 9×13 which made my dessert a little thicker.
- Silicone Spatulas – This pretty set has a flat side and a curved side to take on your toughest job. I love that they are all one piece and can withstand 500°F! Throw out those old chipped ones and treat yourself!
Chocolate Pretzel Peanut Butter Square Ingredients:
- Crushed pretzels – I use the twists. I find they’re salted perfectly so I don’t need to add additional salt.
- Powdered Sugar – Using powdered sugar acts as a binding ingredient that holds these bars together.
- Peanut Butter – I use creamy peanut butter. It makes these bars look smooth but if you like the crunchy variety that works great too.
- Chocolate chips – This recipe originally called for milk chocolate chips. I use what I have and will often combine dark or semi-sweet with milk chocolate.
- Unsalted butter – There is plenty of salt in the pretzels so I don’t add additional salt by using salted butter.
Pretzel Peanut Butter Bars are so easy to make and everyone loves them. They only have 5 ingredients and who doesn’t love that?
How to make Chocolate Pretzel Peanut Butter Squares
- Crush the pretzels. You can use a food processor, blender, or put them in a plastic bag and smash them with a rolling pin or meat mallet. I like leaving chunks of uncrushed pretzels for a delightful crunch.
- Combine the crushed pretzels with powdered sugar and 1 cup of the peanut butter.
- Spray the bottom of a serving dish. You can use a 9×13 for thinner Pretzel Peanut Butter Bars or an 8×11 for thicker bars.
- Press the pretzel layer in your serving dish.
- Combine the chocolate chips and remaining 1/4 cup of peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Melt in 30-second intervals, stirring after each session until smooth. You can also melt this combination in a saucepan or double boiler.
- Pour the chocolate layer over the pretzel later.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour before cutting.
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No-Bake Chocolate Pretzel Peanut Butter Square serving tips and notes:
- Make these chocolate pretzel peanut butter squares ahead of time. They will store perfectly in the refrigerator covered for up to 5 days.
- After these peanut butter dessert squares have chilled, cut them in serving-sized pieces and put them on a serving plate. Cover them and store them in the refrigerator until guests arrive.
- Cut Chocolate Pretzel Peanut Butter Squares into serving-sized pieces and freeze them in an air-tight container for up to 3 months. You can take out just what you need or make them in advance for when you need them. Defrost them in the refrigerator or just set them out for a little while. You’ll be prepared for unplanned parties or guests.
Variations ideas for Chocolate Pretzel Peanut Butter Bars
- Before chilling the chocolate pretzel peanut butter bars, sprinkle the top with crushed pretzels, peanuts, or sprinkles!
- Add mini chocolate chips or crushed nuts to the pretzel filling. Don’t add so much that these bars won’t stick together. If you do, add more peanut butter and powdered sugar.
If you like this recipe, here are a few more you may love!
- Frozen Peanut Butter Cheesecake
- Peanut Butter Coffe Cake
- Peanut Butter Balls Recipe
- No-Bake Chocolate Cheesecake
- Rocky Road Brownies
- Million Calorie Bars
- Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars
- Salt River Sticks
- Chocolate Trifle
No-Bake Chocolate Pretzel Peanut Butter Squares
Equipment
Ingredients
- 12 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cups pretzels crushed
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 1¼ cups creamy peanut butter divided
- 1½ cups milk chocolate chips can also use dark or semi-sweet
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the crushed pretzels, powdered sugar, 1 cup of the peanut butter, and the melted butter. Stir until well combined. Press pretzel mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13 or 11×8 pan.
- Combine chocolate chips and remaining 1/4 cup of peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Melt in the microwave for 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth. Spread over pretzel peanut butter layer.
- Refrigerate for 1 hour before cutting.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer
This recipe was calculated using the exact brands and measurements I used to make this recipe. If you are following a strict diet please note changing anything will cause the nutritional info to change. My calculations are intended as a guide only.
When it comes to attending parties and taking treats to work, I like to keep it simple. Simple doesn’t mean any less delicious. It’s just a time when I am not trying to bake the Mona Lisas’ image into a cake (that really isn’t on my bucket list).
What is your favorite go-to party recipe? Please share, you are my inspiration!
Do leftovers need to be refrigerated, and if so, how long will they keep? It’s just the two of us, so there will be leftovers. Thank you.
Great questions! Leftovers don’t need to be refrigerated. I keep them covered with plastic wrap and they will last 5 days. You can also portion these bars out in servings and freeze them.
I had no idea I could freeze these! Making them today so I have them for the holidays! and the superbowl! What a great tip!
Thanks Michele! There so good and easy!
I think I fell in instant love with these bars! There is nothing I don’t love! I have made a note for next week to make them, I just have to make sure I don’t eat them all myself 🙂
Thank you, Petra! So good to see you here!
Loved the salty/sweet combination – these are a real winner!
Thanks, Deb!
These lasted a hot minute in my house! Thank goodness I made another batch and hid them in the back of the fridge:)
Thank you Jennifer! They disappear in our house some how too!